Frequently Asked Questions
- Have your recent vet records with their latest vitals listed.
- Depending on your pet’s health, we may need a referral from your vet saying massage is OK.
- Complete the health history questionnaire before your first appointment.
- Have your animal clean.
- If your animal is excitable or high energy -- please exercise them at least one hour before your massage appointment so ready to relax.
- Bring a collar/leash/harness if needed.
- We do not take any animals that are aggressive or extremely territorial. We say this for our own safety and in knowing that the massage would not be beneficial to the animal at this point.
- Support the overall health by balancing the body by treating it as a whole instead of individual parts.
- Assist in maintaining a healthy body and physical condition of the animal.
- Relieves/reduce pain, discomfort, and stiffness and helps advance the healing process.
- An increased range of motion, releases muscle tension, helps muscles perform freely and enhances muscle tone which helps prevent injury.
- Reduced inflammation/swelling in the joints which alleviates pain.
- Carries away excessive fluids/toxins and promotes healing by increasing nutrients to the muscles.
- Stimulates circulation and releases endorphins which are natural pain killers.
- Increases lymphatic circulation and brings oxygen and boost the immune system.
- Prevents and relieves stress.
- Helps to build relationships of trust with humans and to make handling of the animal easier.
- Agility competitors before and after competition maximizing performance and recovery.
- Show animals that need to be relaxed and look their best.
- Older pets with arthritis and other joint or mobility problems enhancing comfort and quality of life.
- Pets recovering from a recent injury, illness or surgery.
- Pets with past injuries, genetic abnormalities or chronic conditions that continue to limp or move awkwardly.
- Pets with poor circulation.
- Young pets with socialization and aiding in growth.
- Pets with behavioral issues, emotional trauma and physical condition.
- Pets that have been, or about to be, confined for an extended period of time such as boarding or recovery.
- Pets distressed before or after vet visits, grooming appointments, lengthy travel, etc.
All animals are different and have their own unique sets of conditions and circumstances. Because of the variety of techniques, a plan can be easily customized to suit the needs of a specific pet. All of these factors help determine the appropriate schedule for your massage plan. Examples are:
- Maintenance (to maintain flexibility and range of motion – no injury) 1-2 time per month
- Specific problem, such as chronic pain or mobility issues (performance issue) or obvious muscle injury 1-2 times per week for 2-4 weeks depending on individual circumstance
- Week 4 and beyond – as needed depending on condition and factors such as improvement, performance and confirmation.
Canine
Petting your dog is wonderful and is essential for your relationship. Your intention in petting is enjoyment and communication. There are different styles to petting, but most of them don’t compare to massage; the average petting is rarely more than skin deep. Massage is not the same as petting. It is a focused and specialized form of therapeutic touch. Massage is the intentional manipulation of soft tissue to promote health and healing and is performed by a certified small animal massage therapist utilizing specific movements and pressures for specific results. The results from consistent massage sessions will significantly impact your pet’s overall wellness; benefits most do not get from petting alone.
We do have a massage table. Most of the time we are sitting up next to the dog, but we will get on our knees and we have actually lain down with a dog while massaging.
If you dog experiences the following:
- Cancer
- Shock
- Open wounds
- Fever
- Contagious diseases
Do not have a massage if any of these are present!
Equine
Have your horse clean and dry, halter and lead rope, owner or responsible party needs to be present.
We come to your barn where your horse is more comfortable. We also can do massages at competitions, shows, seminars, clinics, etc.
If your horse experiences the following:
- Cancer
- Shock
- Open wounds
- Fever
- Contagious diseases
Do not have a massage if any of these are present!